“On Par” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 14, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“On par” is a phrase that you may hear frequently during a conversation or see in writing. If you have encountered this phrase and are wondering what it means, then you have come to the right place.

Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and some information about its origin. You will also find some examples used in conversations and sentences to see how this idiom is used correctly and suggestions for words or phrases you can use as a substitution for this phrase that still means the same thing.

On Par Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The idiomatic phrase “on par” means that someone or something is equal to or just as good as someone or something else.
On Par Meaning
On Par Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does “On Par” Mean?

The phrase “on par” means “equal in status, quality, or level” to something else. It is often used to indicate that two things are comparable or of the same standard.

Origin of this Idiom

Although most people would be inclined to assume this idiom originated from the sport of golf like other par phrases that exist, “on par” is different. The word “par” dates back to the 16th century where the word was defined as being “something equal to something else.” The first record of the phrase appearing in writing occurred in 1832. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the term was used in the sport of golf.

Usage of “On Par”

Here are some examples of how the phrase “on par” can be used in different contexts:

  1. Performance comparison:
    • “Her presentation was on par with the best speakers at the conference.”
    • “The quality of the new smartphone is on par with the leading brands.”
  2. Sports context:
    • “His golf score was on par with the average professional players in the tournament.”
    • “The team’s defensive skills are on par with the top teams in the league.”
  3. Financial context:
    • “The company’s stock is currently trading on par with its initial offering price.”
    • “The bond was issued at on par value, meaning it was sold at its face value.”
  4. Education or skill level:
    • “Her math skills are on par with her peers.”
    • “The students’ test scores were on par with the national average.”

Related Terms to “On Par”

  • Equal to – Suggests being the same in status, quality, or quantity.
  • Comparable to – Implies being similar or worthy of comparison.
  • In line with – Suggests something is in agreement with a certain standard or level.
  • Equivalent to – Refers to having the same value, function, or meaning.
  • At the same level as – Indicates being at an equal level of skill, quality, or achievement.
  • On the same footing as – Suggests being treated equally or being in the same position.
  • On an even keel with – Implies being balanced or steady, often in terms of equality.
  • Of the same caliber as – Refers to being of similar quality, especially in terms of skill or excellence.
  • Tantamount to – Implies something is virtually equivalent to another thing, often in terms of importance or severity.
  • On the same level – Directly refers to being equal in status, quality, or skill.

Alternatives to “On Par”

There are many substitute words or phrases that you can use in conversation to replace the idiom “on par” and still convey the same meaning. Some of the choices you can use include:

  • Equal to
  • Equivalent to
  • The same as
  • Similar
  • Comparable

“On Par” Examples

Example Sentences

  • After years of training and conditioning, her skills were on par with most Olympic ice skaters.
  • Her development is on par with most newborns the same age, weight, and height.

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Simon’s piano lessons are paying off.
  • Friend 2: Really? That’s great!
  • Friend 1: Yes, his teacher says that he is on par with the kids his age that she also teaches.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: The new methods the company is using have vastly improved our productivity.
  • Co-worker 2: You are right. With their implementation, we can now stay competitive and our profits should be on par with last year’s figures.
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